What To Say In A Teacher Interview

Research The School Before The Interview

Show that you know something about the school and district. Look at their websites and make sure to learn about their mission statement and goals. Learn as much as you can. This interest will pay off when you are answering questions and will show that you are not interested in just a job, but also in teaching at that particular school.

Tips To Help You Nail Teacher Interview Questions

With proper preparation, your next teaching interview could leave you jumping for joy!

You’ve just landed your first teaching interview, and you’re excited beyond words. All of your hard work has finally paid off. But are you ready for the most important opportunity of your career? You’ll need to be prepared for teacher interview questions so you can easily answer what’s thrown at you.

Interview Questions For English Teachers To Prepare For When Applying Abroad

Once youve done a little research about the prospective country, its time to prepare for the interview itself. Usually your interview will take place on Skype or over the telephone . Its important to be prepared to answer questions on the spot without mincing your words or drawing blanks.

Here are 10 common interview questions that English teachers are asked, as well as how you can prepare for them so that you come across as confident, professional and competent.

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Questions About Teaching Experience And Background

These questions help an interviewer evaluate your qualifications for the position and whether your values match with those of the institution:

• What do you like most about teaching?

• What do you dislike most about teaching?

• What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing todays education system?

• Describe your teaching style.

• How would you organize this classroom?

• How do you manage your teaching duties?

• What is the greatest success you’ve had with teaching?

• What do you think is the greatest challenge facing students today?

• What is the greatest challenge facing teachers today?

• What qualities make a great teacher?

• Describe your worst teaching day. What did you learn from the experience?

• How do you motivate your students to become active learners in your classroom?

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What Experience Do You Have Working With Children Of This Age

Sample Answer: During my student teaching, I was assigned to a classroom that was made up of children of this age, and found them quite fascinating. I think this is the perfect age. Students of this age have an open mind and are more open to learning than older children. During my student teaching, I enjoyed planning and carrying out several lessons under the supervision of the lead teacher.

Tip: There is no right or wrong answer for this question. The answer to this question will be obviously based on the actual experience that you have, so be honest. In general, the interviewer is looking for applicants that are not necessarily experienced with children of all ages, but that are excited to work with the grade that they are interviewing for.

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Common Teacher Interview Questions And Sample Answers

Here is a list of some common teacher interview questions and sample answers to help you understand what the interviewers are looking for when they ask each one.

If You Noticed A Child Being Bullied In Your Class How Would You Deal With The Situation

What They Want to Know: Bullying is a huge problem in schools. What steps would you take to recognize, prevent, or respond to it in your classroom?

One of the most important large group activities I do with my class at the beginning of the year is writing our class rules together. I make it a big deal together we come up with and agree to the rules, and we all sign the poster in a commitment to do our best to follow the rules while also helping others to follow the rules throughout the day. One of the most important rules on our poster is to not bully other children.

I use this group activity as an opportunity to talk about what it means to bully, and what to do if a student is bullied or they see someone being bullied. Part of the lesson is making anti-bullying posters that we hang in our classroom and in the halls. If I witnessed bullying, I would talk to all the children involved separately, and I would also revisit our anti-bullying lesson and posters with the whole class.

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How Much Experience Do You Have Working With Computers

Sample Answer: I have lots of experience working with computers. During college, I actually took some online classes that helped me to further expand my knowledge of computers and the Internet. I am familiar with both Mac and Windows formats, and can easily navigate both operating systems. I also have extensive experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. I also maintain my own blog.

Tip: Todays schools have evolved to the point that many things are done online or via computer. Many schools have digital lockers that allow students to complete their homework and turn it in online. To keep up, teachers must demonstrate a working knowledge of computers and cyberspace. If you are not that familiar with computers it definitely wouldn’t hurt you to get a book or two, and maybe do some research online to learn how to better utilize technology in your classroom and get familiar with popular programs like Microsoft Office.

Tell Me About A Time When Someone Gave You Feedback And How You Handled That

You know that thing about teachers needing to have a growth mindset? Well, receiving and implementing feedback well is important to showcase that.

This is actually most critical for veteran teachers because veteran teachers would be the ones who in most cases communicate a level of, Ive already gotten this, Ive already arrived, I dont need any extra feedback, says Swartz.

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Teacher Interview Thank You Letter

Send your teacher interview thank you letter or email within 24 hours of the interview to show your appreciation for the job interview and to highlight your interest in the teaching job.

Your teacher interview follow up email is also an ideal opportunity to reinforce your suitability for the job opportunity.

Research shows that a high percentage of job candidates neglect to send an interview follow up letter. Be the candidate that does write a thank you letter or email and stand out from the other teaching job applicants.

When writing your thank you letter or email after the teaching job interview pay attention to the following:

• Correct spelling and grammar is essential. Ensure you spell the interviewer’s name correctly as well as everything else in the thank you letter.

• Use the most appropriate greeting. Check the status of the interviewer to get this right.
• Typed thank you letters are more formal while handwritten thank you letters can be more personal.

The teacher interview thank you letter format is not as critical as the fact that you have taken the time and made the effort to send a proper thank you note. This will set you apart from the other candidates interviewing for the job opportunity.

Conduct A Self Analysis

Employers know job candidates have weaknesses, says Kent McAnally, director of career services at Washburn University. “They want to know that we are doing the self-analysis to identify what ours are,” he writes for the American Association for Employment in Education.

“Showing that you are taking steps to improve is essential to making a positive impression, but more importantly, it is essential for developing your personal and professional goals and development plans. And THAT is the real reason for the question.”

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Why Should We Appoint You/what Would We Be Missing Out On By Not Appointing You

A related question is ‘what are you bringing to the role of a teacher?’

Don’t be modest in putting across your strong points during the interview. You might start with, ‘As you can see from my application⦒ and then lead into a quick rundown of your qualifications and relevant experience. If you haven’t already, present your strengths and how you’ll utilise them to enhance the quality of teaching in their school.

Would You Be Interested In Leading Any After

What They Want to Know: Good schools are always looking for ways to enrich their students lives. Being willing to lead after-school activities like sports teams, clubs, or academic teams will be a strong point in your favor.

During the summer, I am the director of a theater camp offered by the art center in town. I would love to take part in any drama clubs or performances the children participate in throughout the year. Or, if there isnt a drama club, Id certainly love to start one, if thats something that the school would be interested in. While theater happens to be my personal passion, if there are any other activities that are especially in need of support and that I might be a good fit for, Id be willing to help out however I can.

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How Can You Meet The Needs Of A Student With An Iep

Todays inclusive classrooms require that teachers know how to meet each childs unique educational needs, especially those with disabilities. Even if you have not worked extensively with special needs students, educate yourself on the process and be familiar with the lingo. Prepare a couple of examples of ways you can differentiate instruction to support their particular needs.

How Do You Cultivate Positive Relationships With Your Students And Create A Sense Of Class Community

This is an opportunity to share an experience with the interviewer of when you bonded with a student who required some additional attention outside of the classroom time. Its a chance to show that you care for the overall well-being of the student, and that you have a sense of empathy for your students.

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How Will You Engage Reluctant Learners

Teaching in an age when we must compete with Fortnite, Snapchat, and other forms of instant entertainment makes this question valid and necessary. How will you keep students engaged? Share specific incentive policies, lessons youve used, or ways youve built relationships to keep students on task. An anecdote of how a past student that you taught was turned on to your subject because of your influence would also help your credibility here.

If One Of Your Students Told You That None Of The Other Students Liked Them What Would You Say

Sample Answer: I would say, That can be really tough, but did you know that everyone feels as if they dont fit in at some point in their lives, even adults, including me. And there are other kids in this very classroom who are going through the same thing. I know it feels like the end of the world, but this feeling won’t last forever. If you ever need to talk, Im here for you. I think that as a teacher, the role that can be taken is to coach and reassure the child. Children who feel like they dont fit in feel unsafe and vulnerable, and they are often prone to teasing or bullying. I would make a special effort to include the child in group activities with other students, and to foster group activities whenever possible, fitting the activity to the grade level.

Even the act of positioning the childrens desks so as to encourage interaction between a group of girls or a group of boys can help a child to fit in. There are lots of ways a teacher can promote friendship among students.

Tip: When hiring an effective teacher, interviewers are looking for teachers who can handle and overcome this all-too-common problem. Showing that you have thought about this potential issue positions you as a nurturing and caring educator!

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General Teaching Interview Questions

These questions help an interviewer understand your personality, interest in the position and background:

• What is your educational background? What was the most rewarding part of attending that particular school?

• What are you currently reading for enjoyment?

• What do you want to be doing

• strengths do you have that help your teaching career?

• What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

• What is your least favorite subject, and how do you approach it to ensure that you teach it well?

Teacher Interview Tip #: Study

After you get the call, start studying. If you are applying for a new position or a spot that might be considered somewhat of a promotion, its natural to feel a little out of your comfort zone during the interview.

Do some reading, listen to webinars, stage interview rehearsals with a friend or spouse, and talk to people who currently work in that same type of position. If you do, youll feel more prepared and more secure in the answers you offer.

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Tell Me About Yourself Sample Response

I am a positive person who has an enthusiastic outlook on life. I love my job and I get a great sense of achievement from seeing my students develop and grow as individuals.

If I can have a positive impact on their future, I feel I am doing my job well. I am an effective communicator, both in writing and verbally and I have a strong ability to plan and organise effectively something which is crucial to the role of a competent teacher.

I cope very well with pressure and can adapt my style or teaching methods, when needed, to deliver consistent results. I have an understanding of the bigger picture and the pressures that are placed on the school.

I am someone who always implements effective behaviour management processes in the classroom and strive myself on an ability to continually develop both personally and professionally.

Example Teacher Weakness : Lack Of Technological Skills

I had very little computer experience and was uncomfortable doing much more than checking email. I knew my students were missing out on tech-enhanced learning, so I enrolled in classes at my local library to learn how to do basic digital presentations and home movies that I have already started using in the classroom. I plan to continue taking at least two technology classes a year to update my skills.

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Interview : George Couros

Gonzalez: The next person were going to hear from is George Couros, who is the Division Principal of Innovative Teaching and Learning for Parkland School Division in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada. He also consults with principals and teachers worldwide to help them improve their practice.

Couros: The thing that is actually most important to me is how they connect with people and how they build relationships. Ive actually seen a lot of teachers that are really great at understanding content who cannot connect with children, and so I actually really think that content can be taught and learned, right. Like so if you go to grade three and then move to grade four, you have a new curriculum youre going to have to learn stuff anyway. But if you cannot connect with kids, or staff, then thats something that were really concerned about. It is a really high priority, so I want to hear the word relationships in your interview. You know, over and over and over again, not just in the first answer. Like if I ask you what the most important quality and you say relationships, but then you never hear about it again, then that tells me something.

Gonzalez: For some reason my side of the audio of my interview with George just completely cut out, so Im just going to have to feed the questions in like this. One of the questions I asked George was what makes a strong impression on him, a positive impression, a really important quality in candidates.

What Are Some Methods You Use To Check For Understanding As Youre Teaching

Its one thing to prepare a high-quality lesson plan, but if students are not following along, whats the use? Explain how your instruction will be responsive to students needs. Will you incorporate tech tools for assessments? Or implement exit slips summarizing what theyve learned? Do you have a quick-check method, like thumbs-up/thumbs-down, to quickly scan for understanding?

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